It is understood that the magnetized bomb went off on Tuesday, creating the hole, and that the tanker burst into flames in a second explosion, on Wednesday.

Al Jazeera said the vehicle had been queuing to get into Bagram Airfield — the largest base for American forces in Afghanistan — when the second blast occurred.

Parwan province Governor, Basir Salangi, said the attackers aim had been to blow up the tanker at the air base. He told the BBC the deaths and injuries were caused by "a huge explosion followed by intense fire".